The online gambling industry has changed a lot and only for the better since the first casinos opened their doors in the mid-90s. Games that were previously restricted to computers are now enjoyed by tens of millions worldwide on handheld devices. Mobile gambling sets new and important milestones every year while representing an ever-larger slice of the pie. Online casinos have adjusted their approach to cater mostly to mobile gamers, and some are ready for the next step forward, virtual reality.
VR and Gaming: A match made in heaven
In the early days of online casinos, the Internet gambling industry struggled to find a way to attract casual gamblers. They didn’t trust the algorithms and would rather play against real dealers, which was not available then. Live casino action is now offered at the vast majority of online gambling operators, using the latest WebCam technologies. This is only suitable for table games such as blackjack and baccarat, roulette and other classic games while slots and video pokers are off-limits.
Virtual reality is the technology of the future and the one that will further enhance the fun factor in online casino gambling. You can play live casino games with live dealers, it is versatile and easy to implement in slots, which continue to top the charts as the most popular genre at Internet casinos. Players will get the feeling of being in a real casino while they spin the reels of slots, play video poker or interact with real dealers. Even live dealer games will feel more realistic when wearing a VR set and taking a seat at the virtual tables.
Oculus Rift and Samsung’s Gear VR Start the Revolution
A few years ago, the prospect of playing virtual reality games from the comfort of one’s home seemed far-fetched. Oculus Rift and Samsung’s Gear VR headsets have brought the thrills of virtual reality to the homes of regular people at a reasonable price. They can be purchased as standalone products, and some are offered in bundles when acquiring more expensive electronics. Even online casinos offer them as prizes to those who participate in one of their many promotions.
This technology is already used by other media giants with few or no ties to the online gambling industry. As for the video gaming industry, it was quick to jump on the bandwagon and develop games compatible with VR sets. For the time being, only simple exploration games are available in VR, but more complex ones are just like the horizon. First-person shooters and role-playing video games will be far more exciting in virtual reality, by delivering a more immersive experience.
It is likely that the online casino industry will spearhead virtual reality innovation. The technology will allow gambling operators to bring the poker face back and restore some of the lost shine of online poker. The future of online gambling is closely tied to virtual reality, and the advancements in technology will benefit both in the years to come.
